GLOSSARY OF TERMS

If you find terminology that you do not understand, please check our glossary for definitions.

Investigations For Repeated IVF Failure

Poor embryo quality is the commonest reason for IVF failure. It is a well established fact that many embryos that look good are not normal, but it is not feasible to test every single embryo for chromosome analysis prior to embryo transfer.

If we were to test every single human embryo prior to embryo transfer it would make the whole procedure even more expensive and even if the embryos were noted to be normal there would not be any guarantee that these would implant resulting in pregnancies.

“Since 1986, we have been conducting research into reasons for failure to conceive despite good quality embryos”

These investigations are carried out during one menstrual cycle where endocrine tests (hormone blood tests) are performed between day 1 and day 5 and three ultrasound scans are performed on approximately day 7,14,21 of a natural menstrual cycle.

During these ultrasound scans ovarian size and structure is assessed in detail as is ovarian volume and blood flow.

Also, any abnormalities in the development of the womb lining can be detected and the blood flow to the uterus is assessed on each occasion. We have already established that women who have poor uterine blood flow have a much lower chance of pregnancy and a much higher risk of miscarriage.

Endometrium lining (the womb lining) is assessed closely and any deviation from normal would then entail having an endometrial biopsy performed after accurately timing ovulation.

Finally, we assess the state of the fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes are filled with fluid (usually as a result of being blocked at the far end) this would also compromise the chances of conception with IVF. There are numerous medical publications confirming that collection of fluid within the fallopian tubes is toxic to embryos and decreases the chances of pregnancy by at least 40%.

“After completing these investigations, a follow-up consultation is conducted to discuss the results of the investigations”

In most cases we can advise on remedial treatments to correct problems that have been diagnosed before further fertility treatment is carried out.